What is a Mohs surgeon?
A Mohs surgeon is a specialized dermatologist who is trained in the practice of Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. Mohs surgery is a micrographic surgery that is extremely targeted and tissue sparing.
During the procedure, the Mohs surgeon will remove impacted tissue in small layers and will examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the exact extent and boundaries of the cancerous cells. The Mohs surgeon will then repeat the process layer by layer until all the cancerous cells are gone, with as little healthy tissue as possible being impacted. Immediately afterwards, reconstructive surgery may be done to repair the area and reduce the incidence of scarring.
What can I expect from Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is generally completed in a single outpatient appointment- meaning, you will often have the procedure right in your dermatologist’s office. The procedure may last a few hours. You will receive topical anesthetic, so that the procedure will not be painful.
Your healing time and method will vary depending on how large or deep the wound from the surgery is. Your Mohs surgeon may recommend stitches or reconstructive work such as a skin flap. In other cases, the wound may simply be covered and allowed to heal on its own. Expect to have a follow up with your dermatologist and/or Mohs surgeon to evaluate the finished result of the surgery.
How effective is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment option for skin cancer. However, if you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, it may not necessarily be the recommended treatment. Your dermatologist will evaluate the type, size, location, and severity of your cancer before making a treatment decision. For many individuals, topical treatment, radiation, or other treatments may come before or instead of Mohs surgery.
If you do see a Mohs surgeon, take comfort in the knowledge that the technique has a 98% cure rate for the two most common types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). Because the technique of Mohs surgery is so precise, it allows the surgeon to precisely identify and remove the entire area affected by cancer.
Where can I find a Mohs surgeon in Charlotte NC?
If you have recently received a diagnosis of skin cancer, or suspect you may soon, you may be looking for a Mohs surgeon. In the Charlotte, NC area, look no further than the experienced team at Metrolina Dermatology in Charlotte.South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in this area.
If you think you may require skin cancer treatment, don’t wait to make your appointment. Contact the experts at Metrolina Dermatology today to set up your initial consultation with a Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.
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